With battery life so important to mobile device use, I love these types of charging stations. I have seen and used them extensively in airports and other public places as a result. The goCharge system used for the NYC Bar Network supports the charging of 16 devices at the same time and can top off a battery in as little as 10 minutes. That’s just enough time to try a few cheesy pickup lines at the bar and walk away with a full battery.

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Aside from the obvious consumer benefit, these charging kiosks offer some advertising and revenue opportunity for storefronts.

Although these particular goCharge machines will offer free charging, retail owners who rent such kiosks can choose for consumers to pay for the charging convenience; goCharge makes stations that support credit card swiping and hard currency. Some of the machines also have displays that can be used for advertising. The kiosks in the Patrón partnership are branded with a Patrón XO Café and Ultimat Vodka motif.